Concept:

Clouds consist of water vapor

Materials: (per group)

• glass jar with small mouth (the opening needs to be smaller than the ice cubes, so that they do not fall through)
• hot water
• ice cube

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Procedure:

1. Form cooperative learning groups of four children each.

2. Assign a "Materials Collector" and have him/her collect the materials for the group.

3. Have an ADULT pour a small amount of hot water into the jar.

4. Have a child place the ice cube at the opening in the top of the jar.

5. Have the group observe and discuss the results and changes occurring within the jar.

6. Assign a fourth child to record the results that the group observed.

Background Information

The hot water evaporates and becomes water vapor. Now as a gas or vapor, the water is less dense, and the vapor rises to the upper part of the jar. Here it comes into contact with the cool air near the ice, causing the water to lose energy, to become more dense, and to condense to form tiny droplets of water near the top of the jar that can be seen as a cloud.

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The Unisys Corporation		The Miami Museum Of Science